Apple News rolls out 2020 election coverage; expands partner content

Improving on its coverage from two years ago, Apple News is doubling up efforts for the 2020 elections. Photo: Apple

Apple News debuted Monday it’s 2020 presidential election coverage and announced plans for various live-stream video coverage of the presidential race beginning with the next Democratic debate in New Hampshire on February 7.

In a press statement just ten hours before the first Iowa caucuses, Apple said it will curate content from various partners through the next 11 months. Among the partners include ABC News, CBS News, CNN, FiveThirtyEight, Fox News, NBC News, ProPublica, Reuters, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time magazine, and USA Today.

Live results, polling data part of coverage plans

“Apple News 2020 election coverage includes a series of curated guides, special features and resources,” the company said. It said it plans to provide live “real-time” primary and general election results using data from the Associated Press and it’s election services division.

“[Apple News will provide] county-by-county results, a national map tracking candidate wins by state and a delegate tracker detailing candidates’ progress toward securing the nomination,” the statement read.

The site will provide candidate profiles, resources explaining important issues and topics, and a news literacy guide to “help readers identify misinformation online and offer simple tips for seeking out accurate and reliable information,” in partnership with the News Literacy Project.

FiveThirtyEight – a division of ABC News – will provide state and national polling data, infographics and data-driven analysis for Apple News, the company stated.

Live debate coverage planned

Beginning with the next Democratic debate in New Hampshire on February 7, Apple News will feature live-streaming video from ABC News, along with analysis from FiveThirtyEight and real-time updates from a variety of news outlets.

Apple did not say specifically what other partners would be contributing pre-recorded or live video content.

The debate will also be live-streamed directly on the Apple TV app, available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, select Samsung LG smart TVs, and Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices.

The special 2020 election coverage is available to Apple News users in the US in the Today tab in the News app on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Users must update to iOS 13.3, iPadOS 13.3 or macOS 10.15.2 to access all the Apple News election features.

Apple did similar online election coverage of the midterm elections in 2018, but suffered major data glitches in November of that year. Voters found the services real-time data far behind those of others and in some cases not appearing until hours later.